Medical drape

ABSTRACT

A medical drape is disclosed. The drape comprises a main portion having a front side, a back side, a first edge, a second edge, a top, and a bottom. The first and second edges are positioned opposite one another. The top and the bottom are positioned opposite one other. The drape further comprises a first and a second fenestration extending completely through the main portion and spaced generally equidistant from a vertical axis. The vertical axis is generally parallel to the first and second edges. The drape further comprises a third and a fourth fenestration extending completely through the main portion and are spaced generally equidistant from the vertical axis. The first and second fenestrations are closer to the top than the third and fourth fenestrations.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/734,399, filed Nov. 8, 2005, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to medical drapes, and more specifically to amedical drape used in connection with surgical or medical procedures,the drape being reversible and having multiple, removably covered accesssites.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Medical drapes are widely used during the performance of surgical andother medical procedures as a protective measure. Medical drapes may beused to cover a patient during surgical or other medical procedures.Medical drapes are made sterile and are intended to prevent thepossibility of infection being transmitted to the patient. Medicaldrapes provide protection to the patient by creating a sterileenvironment surrounding the surgical site and maintaining an effectivebarrier that minimizes the passage of microorganisms between non-sterileand sterile areas. To perform adequately, the drape should be made of amaterial that is resistant to blood, plasma, serums, and/or other bodilyfluids to prohibit such fluids from contaminating the sterile field.

Medical drapes may, for example, be manufactured for use in connectionwith catheters such as central venous catheters (CVCs). CVCs may beused, for example, for intravenous drug therapy and/or parenteralnutrition. If the catheter or area surrounding the catheter becomescontaminated during or after being inserted into a patient,complications such as catheter site infection, suppurative phlebitis,and/or septicemia may result.

To minimize the risk of infection associated with catheterization,medical drapes often include fenestrations, or apertures, that extendcompletely through the drape to provide access to an adjacent area ofthe patient's body (for example, the subclavian area, the brachial area,or the femoral area) over which the respective fenestration lies.Because of the open nature of the fenestrations, a catheter may beinserted through the fenestration(s) and into the area of the patient'sbody adjacent to the fenestration(s).

Existing medical drapes that include fenestrations have severaldisadvantages. For example, if a medical drape includes more than onefenestration, not all of which are being used for inserting a catheter,the area of the patient's body adjacent the unused fenestration(s)remains unnecessarily exposed during the procedure. Thus, bodily fluidsand/or other surgical fluids that may contain microorganisms may contactthe exposed area of the patient's body through the unusedfenestration(s) and possibly lead to infection.

Moreover, existing medical drapes having fenestrations only provideaccess to one area (for example, the subclavian area) of the body. Thus,more than one drape may be required for procedures that require acatheter to be inserted into multiple areas of the patient's body (forexample, the subclavian area and the brachial area). Utilizing multipledrapes during one procedure is both inconvenient for health careproviders and dangerous for patients because it exposes the patient topotential contamination, which may lead to infection.

Thus, it would be desirable to have a medical drape that assists inaddressing one or more of the above disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, a medical drape is disclosed. The drapecomprises a main portion having a front side, a back side, a first edge,a second edge, a top, and a bottom. The first and second edges arepositioned opposite one another. The top and the bottom are positionedopposite one another. The drape further comprises a first fenestrationand a second fenestration extending completely through the main portion.The first and second fenestrations are spaced generally equidistant froma vertical axis. The vertical axis is generally parallel to the firstand second edges. The drape further comprises a third fenestration and afourth fenestration extending completely through the main portion. Thethird and fourth fenestrations are spaced generally equidistant from thevertical axis. The first and second fenestrations are closer to the topthan the third and fourth fenestrations.

According to another embodiment, a medical drape is disclosed. The drapecomprises a main portion having a front side, a back side, a first edge,a second edge, a top, and a bottom. The first and second edge arepositioned opposite one another. The top and bottom are positionedopposite one other. The drape further comprises a first side portioncoupled to a first edge of the main portion. The drape further comprisesa second side portion coupled to a second edge of the main portion. Thedrape further comprises a first fenestration and a second fenestrationextending completely through the main portion. The first and secondfenestrations are spaced generally equidistant from a vertical axis. Thevertical axis is generally parallel to the first and second edges. Thedrape further comprises a third fenestration and a fourth fenestrationextending completely through the main portion. The third and fourthfenestrations are spaced generally equidistant from the vertical axis.The drape further comprises at least one peel patch removably coupled tothe front side of the main portion. The at least one peel patch ispositioned over at least one of the first, second, third, and fourthfenestrations. The first and second fenestrations are closer to the topthan the third and fourth fenestrations.

According to one process of the present invention, a method of making amedical drape is disclosed. The method comprises the act of providing amain portion having a front side, a back side, a first edge, a secondedge, a top, and a bottom. The first and second edges are positionedopposite one another. The top and the bottom are positioned opposite oneanother. The method further comprises the act of forming a firstfenestration extending completely through the main portion. The methodfurther comprises the act of forming a second fenestration extendingcompletely through the main portion. The second fenestration is spacedgenerally the same distance from a vertical axis and the top as thefirst fenestration. The vertical axis is generally parallel to the firstand second edges. The method further comprises the act of forming athird fenestration extending completely through the main portion. Thethird fenestration is positioned farther from the top than the first andsecond fenestrations. The method further comprises the act of forming afourth fenestration extending completely through the main portion. Thefourth fenestration is spaced generally the same distance from thevertical axis and the top as the third fenestration.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to representeach embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. The detaileddescription and Figures will describe many of the embodiments andaspects of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparentupon reading the following detailed description and upon reference tothe drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a front side of a medical drape according toone embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a back (patient's) side of the medical drape ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 a-3 c are plan views of front sides of medical drapes accordingto other embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a front side of a medical drape according toyet another embodiment.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example inthe drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should beunderstood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited tothe particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a front side of a medical drape 10 according to oneembodiment as it would appear after being unfolded and ready for use ina surgical or medical procedure (for example, catheterization,angiography, and radiology). A back (i.e., patient's) side of themedical drape 10 is shown in FIG. 2. It may be desirable that the drape10 have dimensions suitable for covering the patient's entire body,including, in some embodiments, the patient's head and face to assist inmaintaining the sterility of the surgical area and thereby lower therisk of infection. In such embodiments, the total length of the drape 10generally ranges from about 115 in. to about 125 in. (about 292 cm toabout 318 cm). In other embodiments, the drape 10 may cover less thanthe patient's entire body and may have a length ranging generally fromabout 30 in. to about 50 in. (about 76 cm to about 127 cm). The totalwidth of the drape 10 generally ranges from about 75 in. to about 80 in.(about 190 cm to about 204 cm).

The drape 10 generally comprises a main portion 12 having a front side14, which faces away from a patient when in use (see FIG. 1), and a backside 16, which contacts the patient when in use (see FIG. 2). The mainportion 12 further includes a top area 23 a, a bottom area 23 b, andside edges 19 a, 19 b. The main portion 12 is generally made of awater-repellent or water-impermeable material and/or is coated with sucha water-repellent or water impermeable material to prevent the passageof bodily fluids and/or contaminating microorganisms. For example, themain portion 12 may be made of various woven, non-woven, and/orhydroentangled materials. The base fabrics used in the main portion 12may include Airlaid, spunlace and blends of polyester, polypropylene,and polyethylene.

The drape 10 further comprises a reinforcement portion 18 coupled to thefront side 14 of the main portion 12. The reinforcement portion 18 ispositioned generally equidistant from each side edge 19 a, 19 b of themain portion 12. The reinforcement portion 18 may be made from, forexample, a non-woven material including, but not limited to,polypropylene, airlaid, and wood pulp. The material used in thereinforcement portion 18 is generally capable of absorbing from about300 to about 500 percent of its own weight in fluids. Thus, thereinforcement portion 18 assists in minimizing the risk ofcross-contamination by absorbing any blood or other fluid produced at ornear the surgical site either directly from the patient, from irrigationfluids used to flush the site, or the like. It may be desirable that thematerial used in the reinforcement portion 18 be durable and/or tearresistant. It may also be desirable that the material used in thereinforcement portion 18 have a 4-5 rating on the Martindale AbrasionTest (ASTM D4966). The weight of the material used in the reinforcementportion 18 is generally greater than that of the main portion 12. Thereinforcement portion 18 may be attached to the main portion 12 by anysuitable means including, but not limited to, adhesives, thermalbonding, ultrasonic bonding, tape, or combinations thereof. The lengthof the reinforcement portion 18 may range from about 30 in. to about 35in. (about 76 cm to about 89 cm). The width of the reinforcement portion18 may range from about 45 in. to about 55 in. (about 114 cm to about140 cm).

The drape 10 may also include a first side portion 20 a and a secondside portion 20 b. The first and second side portions 20 a, 20 b may,for example, be made of an embossed polyethylene film or anothersuitable material(s) that is generally less expensive than the materialused in the main portion 12. Thus, the first and second side portions 20a, 20 b may provide a cost-effective mechanism to provide a greaterwidth to the drape 10 to enhance the area of coverage of the drape 10.The first and second side portions 20 a, 20 b may be coupled to the mainportion 12 by any suitable means including, but not limited to,adhesives, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, tape, or combinationsthereof. The length of each of the first and second side portions 20 a,20 b may range from about 115 in. to about 125 in. (about 292 cm toabout 318 cm). The width of each of the first and second side portions20 a, 20 b may range from about 15 in. to about 20 in. (about 38 cm toabout 51 cm).

Positioned on and extending completely through the main portion 12 andthe reinforcement portion 18 are a first fenestration 21 a and a secondfenestration 21 b. The first and second fenestrations 21 a, 21 b allowfor a surgical or other medical procedure to be performed therethrough.In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the first and second fenestrations 21 a, 21b are generally egg-shaped. In addition to the use of generallyegg-shaped fenestrations(s), the first and second fenestrations may begenerally oval-shaped, pear-shaped, football-shaped, or the like. Forexample, the embodiment of FIG. 3 a depicts a drape 110 having a firstfenestration 121 a and a second fenestration 121 b that are generallyoval-shaped. The embodiment of FIG. 3 b depicts a drape 210 having afirst fenestration 221 a and a second fenestration 221 b that aregenerally pear-shaped. The embodiment of FIG. 3 c depicts a drape 310having a first fenestration 321 a and a second fenestration 321 b thatare generally football-shaped. It is contemplated that the first andsecond fenestrations may have shapes other than those shown in theillustrated examples in FIGS. 1, 3 a, 3 b, and 3 c. It is furthercontemplated that the drape may have any of the properties describedherein, regardless of the shape and/or location of the fenestrations.

It may be desirable for the first and second fenestrations 21 a, 21 b tobe contoured to the general shape of the area of the body to which theyare adjacent. For example, the first and second fenestrations 21 a, 21 bof FIG. 1 are angled with respect to one another such that the tops ofthe first and second fenestrations 21 a, 21 b are closer to a verticalaxis 22 (which may be imaginary) than the bottoms of the first andsecond fenestrations 21 a, 21 b so that the first and secondfenestrations 21 a, 21 b are contoured to the general shape of thesubclavian area. Each of the first and second fenestrations 21a, 21b mayhave an area ranging from about 5 in² to about 55 in² (about 32 cm² toabout 355 cm²). In some embodiments, the first and second fenestrations21 a, 21 b may have an area ranging from about 5 in² to about 10 in²(about 32 cm² to about 65 cm²). The first and second fenestrations 21 a,21 b are positioned generally equidistant from the vertical axis 22running generally through the center of the drape 10 and generallyparallel to the side edges 19 a, 19 b. The first and secondfenestrations 21 a, 21 b should be positioned so that there is asufficient amount of space between them to minimize potential tearingbetween the first and second fenestrations 21 a, 21 b. Moreover, thespace between the first and second fenestrations 21 a, 21 b should besufficient to cover, for example, the sternum and ribcage for subclaviancatheterization. The distance between each of the first and secondfenestrations 21 a, 21 b and the vertical axis 22 may range from about 1in. to about 6 in. (about 2 cm to about 16 cm).

According to some embodiments, the first and second fenestrations 21 a,21 b are positioned so that when the top area 23 a of the drape 10 isplaced over a patient's head, the first and second fenestrations 21 a,21 b are positioned over the patient's subclavian area. When the drape10 is, for example, opened “upside down” so that the top area 23 a isplaced over the patient's feet, the first and second fenestrations 21 a,21 b are positioned generally over the patient's femoral artery. Thus,the drape 10 may be used in multiple procedures, including, for example,subclavian catheterization and/or femoral catheterization.

The drape 10 of the embodiments described herein further includes athird fenestration 24 a and a fourth fenestration 24 b positioned on andextending completely through the main portion 12 and the reinforcementportion 18. Although the third and fourth fenestrations 24 a, 24 b ofFIGS. 1 and 2 are generally square-shaped, it is contemplated that othergeneral shapes including, but not limited to, rectangles, otherpolygons, circles, and ovals may be used. The third and fourthfenestrations 24 a, 24 b may have an area ranging from about 5 in² toabout 55 in² (about 32 cm² to about 355 cm²). In some embodiments, thethird and fourth fenestrations 24 a, 24 b may have an area ranging fromabout 5 in² to about 10 in² (about 32 cm² to about 65 cm²). The size andshape of the third and fourth fenestrations 24 a, 24 b of theillustrated embodiments are generally large enough that brachial accessto several veins including the antecubital fossa, the basilic vein, thecephalic vein, and the median cubital vein may be achieved.

The third and fourth fenestrations 24 a, 24 b may be used for PICC(peripherally inserted central catheter) line insertion. A PICC line maybe inserted through the third or fourth fenestration 24 a, 24 b into oneof the large veins in the arm (e.g., the antecubital fossa), usuallynear the bend of the elbow. The PICC line can be used for taking bloodfor blood tests, giving chemotherapy drugs, giving blood transfusions,or the like.

The third and fourth fenestrations 24 a, 24 b are positioned generallyequidistant from the vertical axis 22. The third and fourthfenestrations 24 a, 24 b are generally positioned a sufficient distancefrom the vertical axis 22 such that there is a sufficient amount ofspace between the third and fourth fenestrations 24 a, 24 b to cover,for example, the patient's torso and/or abdominal region during brachialcatheterization. The distance between each of the third and fourthfenestrations 24 a, 24 b and the vertical axis 22 may range from about 5in. to about 15 in. (about 12 cm to about 39 cm). Because the third andfourth fenestrations 24 a, 24 b in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 aregenerally used for access to the veins of the arm, the third and fourthfenestrations 24 a, 24 b are positioned generally further from thevertical axis 22 than the first and second fenestrations 21 a, 21 b.Although the drape 10 of the illustrated embodiment includes fourfenestrations 21 a, 21 b, 24 a, 24 b (i.e., two pairs of fenestrations),it is contemplated that a different number of fenestrations may be usedincluding, for example, three, five, or six. The number of fenestrationsused may depend on a variety of factors such as the type of surgical orother medical procedures for which the drape may be used or the like.

Referring now to the embodiment of FIG. 4, a front side of a medicaldrape 410 according to another embodiment is illustrated. The drape 410of FIG. 4 is generally similar in structure and characteristics to thedrapes 10, 110, 210, 310 of FIGS. 1-3 c described above. For example,the drape 410 includes a first fenestration 421 a and secondfenestration 421 b positioned near a top area 423 a of the drape 410.The drape 410 further includes a third fenestration 424 a and a fourthfenestration 424 b positioned closer to a bottom area 423 b of the drape410. The fenestrations 421 a, 421 b, 424 a, 424 b extend completelythrough the drape 410. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, however, the thirdand fourth fenestrations 424 a, 424 b are positioned generally the samedistance away from a vertical axis 422 as the first and secondfenestrations 421 a, 421 b. Although in the embodiment of FIG. 4, thefenestrations 421 a, 421 b, 424 a, 424 b are generally round in shape,any suitable shape may be used. It is contemplated that thefenestrations 421 a, 421 b, 424 a, 424 b may have a generally similarstructure and/or characteristics as those described above.

The multiple fenestrations (e.g., fenestrations 21 a, 21 b, 24 a, 24 bof FIG. 1) are desirable because they provide the health careprofessional with multiple access sites through which a catheter orcatheters may be inserted. Thus, the drape (e.g., drape 10 of FIG. 1)may be used for procedures requiring subclavian catheterization,brachial catheterization, femoral catheterization, or combinationsthereof.

The fenestrations may be covered with an adhesive incise film. It iscontemplated that none, one, or more of the fenestrations may includethe incise film. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the first andsecond fenestrations 21 a, 21 b include an incise film 25. Thecomposition of the incise film 25 is well known to those skilled in theart of medical drapes. One example of an incise film that may be used isOpSite® Incise film manufactured by Smith & Nephew, Inc. (Memphis,Tenn.). The incise film 25 may be generally transparent so that thehealth care provider may have clear visibility for locating the correctposition for inserting the catheter(s). The incise film 25 may bepositioned on top of the reinforcement portion 18, between thereinforcement portion 18 and the main portion 12, or on the back side 16of the main portion 12, so long as an exposed adhesive side of theincise film 25 faces toward the patient. The incise film 25 includes anaccess port 26 being positioned on and extending completely through theincise film 25. The access port 26 allows a catheter(s) to be readilyinserted without any cutting, puncturing, or further modification of thedrape 10 or incise film 25. Although the access port 26 of theillustrated embodiment is circular, it is contemplated that othergeneral shapes including, but not limited to, rectangles, otherpolygons, circles, and ovals may be used. The access port 26 may have anarea ranging from about 3 in² to about 5 in² (about 19 cm² to about 33cm²). It is contemplated that the drapes 110, 210, 310, and 410 of FIGS.3 a-4 may also include adhesive incise film generally similar instructure and characteristics to the incise film 25 described withrespect to FIG. 1.

The exposed adhesive side of each incise film 25 employed in FIG. 1 iscovered by at least one release liner 28 (see FIG. 2), which is locatedon the back side 16 of the main portion 12. The release liner may be onecontinuous piece of liner, strips, or the like. When the release liner28 is removed, the adhesive side of the incise film 25 may be coupled tothe patient to keep the drape 10 and, in particular, the first andsecond fenestrations 21 a, 21 b, in place during the procedure.

Alternatively or additionally, adhesive may be applied to an areasurrounding any such fenestrations on the back side 16 of the drape 10so that such fenestrations remain in place during the surgical ormedical procedure. The adhesive area may then be covered by one or morerelease liners and/or release liner strips. Referring to FIG. 2, forexample, an adhesive surrounding the third fenestration 24 a is coveredby one release liner 29 which overlies the entire third fenestration 24a. In embodiments where a release liner(s) is used, it is contemplatedthat the release liner(s) may overlie the entire fenestration(s) or aportion of the fenestration(s). In an alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 2, the fourth fenestration 24 b includes a separate release linerstrip 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d coupled to each side of the fourthfenestration 24 b to cover the exposed adhesive. Thus, the release linerstrips 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d do not overlie the entire fourthfenestration 24 b. In embodiments where release liner strips are used,it is contemplated that the release liner strips may overlie a portionof the fenestration(s) or none of the fenestration(s). This may bedesirable in some embodiments so that a health care professional's viewthrough the fenestration is not obstructed. Although the illustratedembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 shows the first and second fenestrations 21a, 21 b having incise film 25 and release liners 28, a thirdfenestration 24 a having a release liner 29, and a fourth fenestration24 b having release liner strips 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d, it iscontemplated that any combination of incise film(s), release liner(s),and/or release liner strip(s) may be used in any of the drapes describedherein. It is also contemplated that none, one, or more of thefenestrations in the various embodiments of the drapes described hereinmay include respective release liner(s) and/or release liner strip(s).In other embodiments, the drape includes neither incise films noradhesive surrounding the fenestrations on the back side 16 of the drape10.

The drape may further include one or more peel patches, which may bepositioned over one or more of the fenestrations on the front side ofthe drape. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, for example, outer edges of peelpatches 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d may include, for example, adhesive, forcoupling each of the peel patches 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d to the drape10. Although not necessary, it may be desirable for the peel patches 31a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d to be transparent or generally transparent so that ahealth care professional's view through the fenestrations 21 a, 21 b, 24a, 24 b is not obstructed. The peel patches 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d mayalso be made of a non-transparent material. The peel patches 31 a, 31 b,31 c, 31 d may be removed to expose the fenestrations 21 a, 21 b, 24 a,24 b and/or the incise films 25 and the access ports 26 so that a healthcare provider may insert a catheter(s) therethrough. The peel patches 31a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d cover the unused fenestrations until needed, therebyproviding a mechanism for maintaining a sterile environment surroundingthe fenestrations 21 a, 21 b, 24 a, 24 b when the fenestrations 21 a, 21b, 24 a, 24 b are not in use. For example, a patient's body may includemarkings indicating where a catheter should be inserted, over which thefenestrations 21 a, 21 b, 24 a, 24 b and, thus, the peel patches 31 a,31 b, 31 c, 31 d are positioned. The peel patches 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 dare particularly useful in surgical or medical procedures in which lessthan all of the fenestrations 21 a, 21 b, 24 a, 24 b are used. It iscontemplated that none, one, or more of the fenestrations of any of thedrapes described herein may include peel patches. It is furthercontemplated that other mechanisms suitable for removably covering thefenestrations may be used.

According to one embodiment, the front side 14 of the drape 10 includesa slick surface surrounding one or more of the fenestrations. Referringto FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, the slick surface may be formed bypositioning a single-side tape around the fenestrations 21 a, 21 b, 24a, 24 b such that an adhesive side of the single-side tape contacts thereinforcement portion 18 and a slick side of the single-side tape isexposed. In use, the outer edges of the peel patches 31 a, 31 b, 31 c,31 d having adhesive or other suitable attachment means thereon mayoverlie the slick surface(s). Thus, when a peel patch 31 a, 31 b, 31 c,31 d is removed, the reinforcement portion 18 of the drape is lesslikely to become damaged and/or torn. It is contemplated that the slicksurface may be formed on any of the drapes described herein.

According to another embodiment, the adhesive of the peel patches 31 a,31 b, 31 c, 31 d is adapted to remain substantially on the peel patch 31a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d after the peel patch 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d has beenremoved. Thus, only a negligible amount, if any, of adhesive remains onthe drape 10 and/or the slick surface surrounding the fenestration 21 a,21 b, 24 a, 24 b after the peel patch 31 a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d has beenremoved. This may be desirable so that the adhesive of the peel patch 31a, 31 b, 31 c, 31 d does not interfere with a catheter(s) insertedthrough the fenestration 21 a, 21 b, 24 a, 24 b and/or with the surgicalor other medical procedure generally. This embodiment may be applied toany of the drapes described herein.

In use, the drape 10 may be unfolded such that the top area 23 of thedrape 10 is placed over a patient's head. In the embodiments depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2, one or more of the release liners 28, 29 and/or therelease liner strips 30 a, 30 b, 30 c, 30 d are removed, and the incisefilm 25 and/or adhesive may be coupled to the patient so that each ofthe first and second fenestrations 21 a, 21 b may be placed over thesubclavian area and each of the third and fourth fenestrations 24 a, 24b may be placed over the veins of the arm. The desired peel patch 31 a,31 b, 31 c, 31 d may be removed so that a catheter(s) may be inserted,for example, into the right central vein, the left central vein (throughthe access ports 26 for subclavian insertion), the right antecubitalfossa, and/or the left antecubital fossa (through the third and fourthfenestrations 24 a, 24 b for brachial insertion). Alternatively, thedrape 10 may be positioned over the patient such that the top area 23 ofthe drape 10 is placed over a patient's foot area such that acatheter(s) may be inserted into the femoral artery through one or bothof the first and second fenestrations 21 a, 21 b. The drapes of FIGS.2-4 may be similarly used.

According to alternative embodiment A, a medical drape comprises a mainportion having a front side, a back side, a first edge, a second edge, atop, and a bottom, the first and second edges being positioned oppositeone another, the top and the bottom being positioned opposite one other,a reinforcement portion coupled to the front side of the main portion, afirst fenestration and a second fenestration extending completelythrough the main portion and the reinforcement portion, the first andsecond fenestrations being spaced generally equidistant from a verticalaxis, the vertical axis being generally parallel to the first and secondedges, and a third fenestration and a fourth fenestration extendingcompletely through the main portion and the reinforcement portion, thethird and fourth fenestrations being spaced generally equidistant fromthe vertical axis, wherein the first and second fenestrations are closerto the top than the third and fourth fenestrations, and wherein thethird and fourth fenestrations are positioned a greater distance fromthe vertical axis than the first and second fenestrations.

According to alternative embodiment B, the drape of alternativeembodiment A, wherein the main portion is made of a water-repellent orwater-impermeable material.

According to alternative embodiment C, the drape of alternativeembodiment A, wherein the reinforcement portion is made of a non-wovenmaterial.

According to alternative embodiment D, the drape of alternativeembodiment A, wherein the reinforcement portion is coupled to the mainportion by adhesive, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, tape, or acombination thereof.

According to alternative embodiment E, the drape of alternativeembodiment A, wherein the reinforcement portion has a length of betweenabout 30 inches and about 35 inches and a width of between about 45inches and about 55 inches.

According to alternative embodiment F, the drape of alternativeembodiment A further comprises a first side portion coupled to the firstedge of the main portion and a second side portion coupled to the secondedge of the main portion, wherein the first and second side portions aremade of a polymeric film.

According to alternative embodiment G, the drape of alternativeembodiment F, wherein the first and second side portions are coupled tothe main portion by adhesive, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, tape,or a combination thereof.

According to alternative embodiment H, the drape of alternativeembodiment F, wherein the first and second side portions have a width ofbetween about 15 inches and about 20 inches.

According to alternative embodiment I, the drape of alternativeembodiment A, wherein the first and second fenestrations are generallyegg-shaped.

According to alternative embodiment J, the drape of alternativeembodiment A further comprises at least one incise film positioned overat least one of the first, second, third, and fourth fenestrations, theincise film including an adhesive side, the incise film including anaccess port extending completely therethrough, and at least one releaseliner positioned on the back side of the drape, wherein the at least onerelease liner covers the adhesive side of a corresponding at least oneincise film.

According to alternative embodiment K, the drape of alternativeembodiment A, wherein the back side of the drape further includesadhesive positioned around at least a portion of at least one of thefirst, second, third, and fourth fenestrations, the adhesive beingcovered with at least one release liner.

According to alternative embodiment L, the drape of alternativeembodiment A further comprises at least one peel patch removably coupledover at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth fenestrations,the at least one peel patch being removably coupled to the front side ofthe main portion.

According to alternative embodiment M, the drape of alternativeembodiment L, wherein outer edges of the at least one peel patch includeadhesive, the at least one peel patch being removably coupled to themain portion via the adhesive outer edges.

According to alternative embodiment N, the drape of alternativeembodiment M further comprises at least one slick surface surrounding atleast one of the first, second, third, and fourth fenestrations on thefront side of the drape, wherein the outer adhesive edges of the atleast one peel patch are adapted to overlie a corresponding at least oneslick surface.

According to alternative embodiment O, the drape of alternativeembodiment M, wherein the adhesive is adapted to remain substantially onthe at least one peel patch upon removal of the at least one peel patch.

According to alternative embodiment P, the drape of alternativeembodiment A, wherein the first and second fenestrations are adapted tobe placed over a patient's subclavian area, and wherein the third andfourth fenestrations are adapted to be placed over the patient'sbrachial area.

According to alternative embodiment Q, the drape of alternativeembodiment P, wherein the first and second fenestrations are furtheradapted to be placed over a patient's femoral area via the first andsecond fenestrations.

According to alternative embodiment R, the drape of alternativeembodiment A, wherein the drape has a length of between about 115 inchesand about 125 inches and a width of between about 75 inches and about 80inches.

According to alternative embodiment S, the drape of alternativeembodiment A further comprises one or more additional fenestrations.

According to alternative embodiment T, a medical drape comprises a mainportion having a front side, a back side, a first edge, a second edge, atop, and a bottom, the first and second edge being positioned oppositeone another, the top and bottom being positioned opposite one other, areinforcement portion coupled to the front side of the main portion, afirst side portion coupled to a first edge of the main portion, a secondside portion coupled to a second edge of the main portion, a firstfenestration and a second fenestration extending completely through themain portion and the reinforcement portion, the first and secondfenestrations being spaced generally equidistant from a vertical axis,the vertical axis being generally parallel to the first and secondedges, a third fenestration and a fourth fenestration extendingcompletely through the main portion and the reinforcement portion, thethird and fourth fenestrations being spaced generally equidistant fromthe vertical axis, and at least one peel patch removably coupled to thefront side of the main portion, the at least one peel patch beingpositioned over at least one of the first, second, third, and fourthfenestrations, wherein the first and second fenestrations are closer tothe top than the third and fourth fenestrations, and wherein the thirdand fourth fenestrations are positioned a greater distance from thevertical axis than the first and second fenestrations.

According to alternative embodiment U, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein the main portion is made of a water-repellent orwater-impermeable material.

According to alternative embodiment V, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein the reinforcement portion is made of a non-wovenmaterial.

According to alternative embodiment W, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein the reinforcement portion is coupled to the mainportion by adhesive, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, tape, or acombination thereof.

According to alternative embodiment X, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein the reinforcement portion has a length of betweenabout 30 inches and about 35 inches and a width of between about 45inches and about 55 inches.

According to alternative embodiment Y, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein the first and second side portions are made of apolymeric film.

According to alternative embodiment Z, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein the first and second side portions are coupled tothe main portion by adhesive, thermal bonding, ultrasonic bonding, tape,or a combination thereof.

According to alternative embodiment AA, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein the first and second side portions have a width ofbetween about 15 inches and about 20 inches.

According to alternative embodiment AB, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein the first and second fenestrations are generallyegg-shaped.

According to alternative embodiment AC, the drape of alternativeembodiment T further comprises at least one incise film positioned overat least one of the first, second, third, and fourth fenestrations, theincise film including an adhesive side, the incise film including anaccess port extending completely therethrough, and at least one releaseliner positioned on the back side of the drape, wherein the at least onerelease liner covers the adhesive side of a corresponding at least oneincise film.

According to alternative embodiment AD, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein the back side of the drape further includesadhesive positioned around at least a portion of at least one of thefirst, second, third, and fourth fenestrations, the adhesive beingcovered with at least one release liner.

According to alternative embodiment AE, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein outer edges of the at least one peel patch includeadhesive, the at least one peel patch being removably coupled to themain portion via the adhesive outer edges.

According to alternative embodiment AF, the drape of alternativeembodiment AE further comprises at least one slick surface surrounding acorresponding at least one of the first, second, third, and fourthfenestrations on the front side of the drape, wherein the outer adhesiveedges of the at least one peel patch are adapted to overlie acorresponding at least one slick surface.

According to alternative embodiment AG, the drape of alternativeembodiment AE, wherein the adhesive is adapted to remain substantiallyon the at least one peel patch upon removal of the at least one peelpatch.

According to alternative embodiment AH, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein the first and second fenestrations are adapted tobe placed over a patient's subclavian area, and wherein the third andfourth fenestrations are adapted to be placed over the patient'sbrachial area.

According to alternative embodiment AI, the drape of alternativeembodiment AH, wherein the first and second fenestrations are furtheradapted to be placed over a patient's femoral area via the first andsecond fenestrations.

According to alternative embodiment AJ, the drape of alternativeembodiment T, wherein the drape has a length of between about 115 inchesand about 125 inches and a width of between about 75 inches and about 80inches.

According to alternative embodiment AK, the drape of alternativeembodiment T further comprises one or more additional fenestrations.

According to alternative embodiment AL, a medical drape comprises a mainportion having a front side, a back side, a first edge, a second edge, atop, and a bottom, the first and second edges being positioned oppositeone another, the top and the bottom being positioned opposite oneanother, a first fenestration and a second fenestration extendingcompletely through the main portion, the first and second fenestrationsbeing spaced generally equidistant from a vertical axis, the verticalaxis being generally parallel to the first and second edges, and a thirdfenestration and a fourth fenestration extending completely through themain portion, the third and fourth fenestrations being spaced generallyequidistant from the vertical axis, wherein the first and secondfenestrations are closer to the top than the third and fourthfenestrations.

According to alternative embodiment AM, the drape of alternativeembodiment AL further comprises a reinforcement portion coupled to thefront side of the main portion, wherein the first, second, third, andfourth fenestrations extend completely through the reinforcementportion.

According to alternative embodiment AN, the drape of alternativeembodiment AL, wherein the third and fourth fenestrations are positioneda greater distance from the vertical axis than the first and secondfenestrations.

According to alternative embodiment AO, the drape of alternativeembodiment AL, wherein the third and fourth fenestrations are positionedgenerally the same distance from the vertical axis as the first andsecond fenestrations.

According to alternative embodiment AP, a medical drape comprises a mainportion having a front side, a back side, a first edge, a second edge, atop, and a bottom, the first and second edge being positioned oppositeone another, the top and bottom being positioned opposite one other, areinforcement portion coupled to the front side of the main portion, afirst side portion coupled to a first edge of the main portion, a secondside portion coupled to a second edge of the main portion, a firstfenestration and a second fenestration extending completely through themain portion and the reinforcement portion, the first and secondfenestrations being spaced generally equidistant from a vertical axis,the vertical axis being generally parallel to the first and secondedges, a third fenestration and a fourth fenestration extendingcompletely through the main portion and the reinforcement portion, thethird and fourth fenestrations being spaced generally equidistant fromthe vertical axis, and at least one peel patch removably coupled to thefront side of the main portion, the at least one peel patch beingpositioned over at least one of the first, second, third, and fourthfenestrations, wherein the first and second fenestrations are closer tothe top than the third and fourth fenestrations.

According to alternative embodiment AQ, the drape of alternativeembodiment AP, wherein the third and fourth fenestrations are positioneda greater distance from the vertical axis than the first and secondfenestrations.

According to alternative embodiment AR, the drape of alternativeembodiment AP, wherein the third and fourth fenestrations are positionedgenerally the same distance from the vertical axis as the first andsecond fenestrations.

According to alternative process AS, a method of making a medical drapecomprises the acts of providing a main portion having a front side, aback side, a first edge, a second edge, a top, and a bottom, the firstand second edges being positioned opposite one another, the top and thebottom being positioned opposite one another, forming a firstfenestration extending completely through the main portion, forming asecond fenestration extending completely through the main portion, thesecond fenestration being spaced generally the same distance from avertical axis and the top as the first fenestration, the vertical axisbeing generally parallel to the first and second edges, forming a thirdfenestration extending completely through the main portion, the thirdfenestration being positioned farther from the top than the first andsecond fenestrations, and forming a fourth fenestration extendingcompletely through the main portion, the fourth fenestration beingspaced generally the same distance from the vertical axis and the top asthe third fenestration.

While the present invention has been described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognizethat many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments andobvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spiritand scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

1-43. (canceled)
 44. A method of making a medical drape, comprising:providing a main portion having a front side and a back side, a firstedge, a second edge,—a top, and a bottom, the first and second edgesbeing positioned opposite one another, the top and the bottom beingpositioned opposite one another; forming a plurality of fenestrations inthe main portion, the fenestrations being generally contoured to theshape of an area of the body to which they are adjacent; removablycoupling a generally transparent peel patch to the main portion, thepeel patch positioned over at least one of the plurality offenestrations and including a patient-facing side having an innerportion and an outer portion, the outer portion including adhesive forcoupling the outer portion of the peel patch to the main portion of themedical drape, the inner portion of the peel patch having no adhesive.45. The method of claim 44, wherein at least one of the plurality offenestrations being generally contoured to the shape of the subclavianarea.
 46. The method of claim 44, wherein at least one of the pluralityof fenestrations being generally contoured to the shape of the femoralarea.
 47. The method of claim 44, wherein at least one of the pluralityof fenestrations being generally contoured to the shape of the brachialarea.
 48. The method of claim 44, further comprising positioning a firstfenestration and a second fenestration of the plurality of fenestrationssuch that the respective tops of the first and second fenestrations arecloser to a vertical axis than the respective bottoms of the first andsecond fenestrations.
 49. The method of claim 44, further comprisingproviding a slick surface surrounding at least one of the plurality offenestrations.
 50. The method of claim 44, wherein the adhesive on theouter portion of the peel patch remains substantially on the peel patchafter the peel patch has been removed.
 51. The medical drape of claim44, wherein at least one of the plurality of fenestrations beinggenerally oval-shaped, pear-shaped or football-shaped.
 52. The method ofclaim 44, wherein at least one of the plurality of fenestrations beinggenerally oval-shaped, pear-shaped or football-shaped and at least oneof the plurality of fenestrations being generally rectangular-shaped orsquare-shaped.
 53. A medical drape comprising: a main portion having afront side and a back side, a first edge, a second edge, a top area, anda bottom area, the first and second edges being positioned opposite oneanother, the top and the bottom being positioned opposite one another; aplurality of fenestrations extending completely through the mainportion; and a peel patch removably coupled to the main portion, thepeel patch positioned over at least one of the plurality offenestrations and including a patient-facing side having an adhesive forcoupling a first portion of the peel patch to the main portion of themedical drape, a second portion of the patient-facing side of the peelpatch having no adhesive.
 54. The medical drape of claim 53, furthercomprising an incise film positioned over one or more of the pluralityof fenestrations, the incise film including an adhesive side facing apatient.
 55. The medical drape of claim 54, further comprising a releaseliner overlying all or a portion of at least one of the plurality offenestrations, the release liner contacting the adhesive side of theincise film.
 56. The medical drape of claim 53, further comprising areinforcement portion coupled to a front side of the main portion,wherein the plurality of fenestrations extend completely through thereinforcement portion.
 57. The medical drape of claim 53, wherein thefirst portion of the peel patch includes outer edges, the outer edgeshaving adhesive, the peel patch being removably coupled to the mainportion via the adhesive outer edges.
 58. The medical drape of claim 53,further comprising a slick surface surrounding at least one of theplurality of fenestrations, wherein the first portion of the peel patchoverlies a corresponding at least one slick surface.
 59. The medicaldrape of claim 53, wherein the adhesive is adapted to remainsubstantially on the peel patch upon removal of the peel patch from themedical drape.
 60. The medical drape of claim 53, wherein the at leastone of the plurality of fenestrations generally contoured to the shapeof at least one of the subclavian area, the femoral area and thebrachial area.
 61. The medical drape of claim 53, wherein the pluralityof fenestrations includes a first fenestration and a second fenestrationthat are angled such that the respective tops of the first and secondfenestration are closer to a vertical axis than the respective bottomsof the first and second fenestrations.
 62. The medical drape of claim53, wherein at least one of the plurality of fenestrations beinggenerally oval-shaped, pear-shaped or football-shaped.
 63. The medicaldrape of claim 53, wherein at least one of the plurality offenestrations being generally oval-shaped, pear-shaped orfootball-shaped and at least one of the plurality of fenestrations beinggenerally rectangular-shaped or square-shaped.
 64. A method of making amedical drape, the method comprising the acts of: providing a mainportion having a front side, a back side, a first edge, a second edge, atop, and a bottom, the first and second edges being positioned oppositeone another, the top and the bottom being positioned opposite oneanother; forming a first fenestration extending completely through themain portion; forming a second fenestration extending completely throughthe main portion, the second fenestration being spaced generally thesame distance from a vertical axis and the top as the firstfenestration, the vertical axis being generally parallel to the firstand second edges; and removably coupling a peel patch to the mainportion, the peel patch positioned over at least one of the first orsecond fenestrations and including a patient-facing side having a firstportion and a second portion, the first portion including adhesive forcoupling the first portion of the peel patch to the main portion of themedical drape, the second portion of the peel patch having no adhesive.65. The method of claim 64, further comprising forming a thirdfenestration extending completely through the main portion, the thirdfenestration being positioned farther from the top than the first andsecond fenestrations.
 66. The method of claim 65, further comprisingforming a fourth fenestration extending completely through the mainportion, the fourth fenestration being spaced generally the samedistance from the vertical axis and the top as the third fenestration.